China Southern is poised to begin direct flights between Adelaide and Guangzhou as early as this December, according to South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill.

The South Australian state government says it has reached an in-principle deal with China Southern Airlines to start the first direct flights between mainland China and Adelaide. Cathay Pacific currently operates flights between Adelaide and Hong Kong.

Three direct flights each week from mainland China to Adelaide would create more than 135 local jobs, and have flow-on benefits for the state’s hotels, restaurants and tourism operators, Wetherill said.

The final agreement is expected to be signed between the State Government and China Southern in Guangzhou later this week.

“Having a direct flight from mainland China will create jobs that extend well beyond Adelaide Airport – helping our tourism and hospitality sectors to take advantage of this growing market,” Wetherill said.

“Our partner Adelaide Airport Limited has been instrumental in our discussions with China Southern, and we are grateful for their commitment to working with us to grow the number of international services coming into Adelaide.

“Tourism is one of South Australia’s key economic drivers, which is why the State Government committed another AUD 35 million over two years in the 2016/17 State Budget – this is in addition to the AUD 35 million committed over two years in last year’s Budget.

“The recent introduction of daily flights from Qatar Airways into Adelaide has also opened connections to more than 140 destinations including 25 European cities, with Qatar flights estimated to create more than 220 jobs across the state.”

China Southern is the world’s third largest airline based on passenger movement, operating more than 680 domestic and international aircraft with approximately 260 international flights every day to 72 destinations around the world.